Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa called on fans to support the team today and said he was focused on finding solutions, following their surprise elimination from the Copa del Rey by second-tier Albacete.
Real Madrid lost 3-2 to Albacete in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, Arbeloa's first match in charge of the Madrid club. He replaced Xabi Alonso on Monday, whose contract was terminated by the club by mutual consent.
After the defeat to Albacete, who are 17th in the second division table, Real captain Dani Carvajal said that the team had hit rock bottom.
"I understand that people are looking for someone to blame, but I am focused on finding solutions. When things don't go well, it's because I need help so that my players play better. I feel responsible for what happens on the pitch," Arbeloa said.
Despite the disappointment, Arbeloa said he would not reconsider his approach in the defeat to Albacete.
"I wouldn't change a single thing. The past doesn't matter. Every failure has made me better, made me ask questions. Failures bring you closer to where you want to be," said the 42-year-old coach.
"I want the team to take to the field from the first minute with the desire to win, without any doubt that we are going for the opponent's goal. I want a team that shows passion and enthusiasm," added the former Real Madrid player.
The former Liverpool and West Ham defender said he would take the blame for all of the team's shortcomings.
"What happened with Albacete is a lack of play, fitness and everything else and I am responsible for that. Only one person will be responsible, and that person is the Real Madrid coach. I respect the opinion of the fans and understand that they are hurt, but I ask for their support. In 123 years of history, big titles have been won when the Bernabeu was with its players," Arbeloa said.
Real will play against second-to-last Levante in La Liga on Saturday.
After 19 rounds, Real is second in the table, four points behind leaders Barcelona, and Levante is 19th with 14 points.
Bonus video:
